BCCI backs Team India to maintain the winning streak

The Indian team lifted the Nidahas Trophy 2018 trophy in dramatic fashion. They sealed the victory in a thriller against Bangladesh. The win becomes even more important as India had sent a second-string side for the tri-series as the likes of Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were rested. It also proved that the Men in Blue have a good bench strength and they do not depend way too much on just one or two players.

CK Khanna, acting president of BCCI lauded the team’s efforts and backed them to continue their form into the England tour as well. He also congratulated Ravi Shastri, the head coach of Team India for guiding the youngsters. Dinesh Karthik’s unbeaten 29 received special mention from the board president as it was the knock that separated India and Bangladesh.

“What an amazing victory. What a great contribution by all the players. We congratulate Ravi Shastri and the entire team for this great achievement. And the consistency which they are maintaining, I am confident that they will continue the same against England also. One again, I congratulate team and Dinesh Karthik for a brilliant knock under pressure. Great job done,” Khanna was quoted as saying by Business Standard.

Innings of a lifetime

Despite resting the seniors and fielding a bunch of newbies, the India were favourites to lift the title. They lost the first match to Sri Lanka but came back stronger to win the next three games. In the final, they restricted Bangladesh to 166 in their quota of 20 overs. The Tigers were on top till the 18th over, just when fans thought that the game has slipped away from the hands of the Indians, Karthik played the innings of his life. With five needed from the last ball, he smashed a six to take India home. Washington Sundar bagged the Man of the Series award for his impressive bowling, especially in the powerplay.

In their next big assignment, Team India is scheduled to play a three-match T20I series, three ODIs and five-match Test series against England, beginning July 3 at Old Trafford. But before the big tour, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on April 7 where eight teams featuring star cricketers from India and abroad will battle for the title.

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